Juventus vs Manchester United preview: Romelu Lukaku out of clash

Romelu Lukaku is out of Manchester United’s Champions League clash at Juventus on Wednesday (kick-off 8pm).

Juventus can qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League if they avoid defeat against United on Wednesday. The Italians lead the way in Group H after taking maximum points from their three fixtures, including a 1-0 win at Old Trafford where Paulo Dybala scored the winner.

A draw for Juve would ensure qualification to the knockout stages with two games remaining, while victory would clinch top spot. United are in a race to finish in the runners-up spot after picking up four points from their first three fixtures. They have a trip to Valencia and a home clash with Young Boys still to come.

Juventus toyed with Jose Mourinho’s side when the sides met at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, with Dybala’s 17th-minute effort securing victory.

“We work every day to try (and change that), but the reality is that normally we don’t start matches well,” Mourinho said. “But if we don’t start well and we end it well, that’s fine, it’s even good fun for the fans.

“But football is 90 minutes and especially when your opponent is strong, if you give 45 minutes advantage or even 20 or even 10, then you have a mountain to climb.”